Question #83394
1 Answer
From my research there are no positive things that result from a mutation of the MTHFR gene.
Explanation:
A mutation or accidental change in the DNA that codes for the MTHFR gene always damages the gene interfering with the gene's function.
The MTHFR gene is important in the production of B9 or folic acid. It is also important in the production of proteins. Damage to the MTHFR gene hinders the function of the liver making the build up of toxins likely.
If only one parent has this mutation the genes from the other parent will make the effects minimal. However if the genes from both parents are damaged serious long term health can result.
Mutations seem to be uniformly harmful to organisms due to the loss of information. In rare cases like bacterial resistance to antibodics the loss of information can be beneficial in specific environments. Another example is the point mutation in Sicycle cell anemia where the resulting defective red blood cell helps the body in fighting malaria.
